Table 128
Des Moines Does Wine, No Apologies
Grays Landing · Des Moines · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 13, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Table 128 doesn't announce itself with fanfare, but it earns its keep. For a modern American bistro tucked into downtown Des Moines, the range is broader than you'd expect — California, France, Oregon, and Italy all showing up with something to say. It's not a destination list, but it's one you can actually drink from without wincing at the bill.
Selection Deep Dive
With somewhere between 80 and 150 bottles, Table 128 covers the major bases without getting adventurous about it. California and France anchor the list, which is exactly what this room's clientele probably wants, while Oregon and Italy add just enough texture to keep things interesting. There are no obvious deep-cuts or cellar trophies here, but the bottles chosen within each region feel considered rather than default. The gaps are in the Southern Hemisphere and anything remotely esoteric — if you're hunting for Jura or skin-contact Slovenian white, you're at the wrong address.
By the Glass
The by-the-glass program runs 12 to 20 options at $12 to $20 a pour, which is a solid spread for the market. Rotation isn't confirmed as frequent, but the range covers white, red, and rosé without leaning too heavily on any one style. Happy hour pricing reportedly brings glasses down further, which pushes the value proposition into genuinely impressive territory.
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc — $10
Retails around $18 and it's landing on your table at happy hour pricing that undercuts even that. Matanzas Creek makes a clean, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc and at this price point it's essentially a gift. Order two.
Le Château de Chaintré Chardonnay
Most people skip French Chardonnay on an American bistro list without a second glance, assuming it'll be either too funky or too expensive. This one from the Mâconnais sits at $10 and offers the kind of restrained, mineral-driven character that California Chardonnay fans don't know they're missing. Worth the detour.
Frico Sangiovese Rosé
It's not offensive, but at $10 for a mass-market Sangiovese Rosé that retails for $14, you're spending a token amount for a wine that brings almost nothing to the table. With the Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc sitting at the same price, there's no reason to settle for this one.
Cousiño-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon + Duck Breast
Chilean Cab at this price point tends to run leaner and more structured than its California counterparts — less jam, more grip. That structure cuts through duck's richness and complements the savory, rendered fat without overwhelming the plate. It's a classic match that works especially well when the bottle costs you next to nothing.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Table 128 isn't trying to be a wine destination, but with markup this fair and a list that covers meaningful ground, it punches well above its weight for downtown Des Moines. Send a friend here and tell them to drink the French Chardonnay during happy hour — they'll thank you.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.